A motion was made by Karen
Izzo and second by James Benanto. Move to accept the minutes of the meeting
on May 9, 2005, as written. Motion carried unanimously.

Public portion:

No public was present at this
time.

Correspondences:

Nothing was presented.

NEW or OTHER BUSINESS:

A.) Discussion of the
2005-2006 Budget: The Recreation Department received their requested
budget. A letter to the Capital Planning Commission is being prepared to
address capital projects not in the general budget.

B.) Update on Public Works
reorganization: Mr. O'Connell communicates with the Public Works
Department daily and having a foreman overseeing the recreational needs is
functioning well.

C.) Update on Neighborhood
Committee request to have the Commission oversee the administration of Witek
Park and the Onopiak property: Chairman Walsh indicated that the
Commission is awaiting the report being prepared by Mr. Lutz in conjunction
with the Derby Inland Wetlands Agency stipulation of approval that will
detail maintenance needs for Witek Park.

D.) Update on Little
League field improvements: Mr. O'Connell stated that Little League has
completed their regular season and will begin All-Star play. The regular
season seems to be finishing earlier as per the apparent desires of the
parents. The Programs Committee will have conversations on this scheduling
change.

The League would like to
install the batting cage. It will be movable with a gravel base and will be
located by the left field third base line. This was a suitable location as
it does not interrupt the use of the field.

A motion was made by Karen
Izzo and second by Matt Cripps. Move to allow Little League to purchase and
install a temporary batting cage to be located in the vicinity of the left
field third base line. Motion carried unanimously.

It was noted that the Little
League Field house experiences water problems during heavy rain events. Mr.
O'Connell indicated that it is a roof gutter and leader issue and he is
working to relieve the problem.

DIRECTOR REPORTS:

Parks & Recreation Director’s
Report: Mr.
O'Connell noted Babe Ruth has three teams and they are starting play.
Little League is in All-Star play. The Girl’s Softball has finished and
went well.

The Red/White game for the
High School is this week. The football team has been told by the Athletic
Director not to play on Ryan Field as the contractor has indicated that the
turf needs an additional month to take hold.

New cinders will be added to
the track and work continues on addressing the sinkhole by the football
field complex.

The Summer Playground program
will run from July 5th through August 13that Bradley
School. Staff are currently receiving CPR and First Aid training.

The Summer Basketball league
is experiencing fluctuating numbers and play will be dependant on the
participation.

The Free Lunch program will go
forward beginning July 5th. It will include gym time and open
swim time. It runs weekdays from 11:00 a.m. through 3:30 p.m.

The number of Derby residents
using the Skate Park is low. Interest for the sport may be waning at this
time in the region.

Mr. Benanto expressed safety
concerns and asked Mr. O'Connell to explore fencing or something that will
distance the T-Ball players from the batting area.

Athletic Director’s Report:
Mr. Orazetti was
not present this evening.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee – Mr. O'Connell indicated
that he would be expending the remaining funds prior to the end of the
fiscal year. The revenue will be lower than projected.

It was noted that there
remains $20,000 in the Skate Park line item due to the fact that the program
was merged with Shelton. The suggestion was made to approach the Board of
Apportionment and Taxation to see if these remaining funds could be
transferred for the purpose of purchasing and installing new bleachers at
the Derby Veteran's Community Center gymnasium.

The wrestling line item is not
expended. Mr. O'Connell will investigate whether expenses have been
submitted.

Programs Committee – The Committee met on May
23rd . They are exploring the level of interest in holding CPR &
First Aid courses at this time.

Programs discussed various
issues at the meeting. The refreshment stand at the Little League is moving
along. Pop Warner questioned when the lights for the lower field are to be
installed. Mr. O'Connell indicated that he would coordinate with Public
Works to have them installed prior to their needed use in the fall. The
protocol for getting work done on the facilities was discussed. Volunteers
would like to take on some special projects. It was understood that any
work needed prior approval by the Commission and certified or qualified
people would oversee any such work.

The Committee received a
request to start a Diamond Club for funding-raising and financial support
for programs to make improvements to the facilities. This would be separate
from High School affiliations. Members raised concern over the oversight of
funds collection, whether the focus would be on all programs or weighed
heavier on one, whether this would overlap with High School groups that
would then be partially a Board of Education issue and whether this should
be a matter for the Parks & Recreation Commission or should it be a private
organization. Members felt this required further explanation as to the
intent of the Club. Ultimately, it was expressed, any improvements would
have to be reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Commission prior to any
purchase or implementation.

Facilities Committee – Mr. Felice indicated that
there were outstanding issues remaining at Witek Park that the contractor is
addressing. With the spring rains there was some erosion that is being
addressed and the base of the fields remain wet so drainage needs are being
reviewed to explore possible springs that require additional attention.

Work on the Greenway is
underway. Shultz Construction was awarded the contract and the City was
very satisfied with their performance as to the work at Witek Park. They
were confident that the project would be another success.

The Baseball Exploratory
Committee has yet to schedule a tour of possible facilities.

The Mayor will be forming a
Committee to study the reuse of the Derby Veteran's Community Center and
former City Hall now that the City offices have moved to 1 Elizabeth Street.

Mr. Benanto questioned whether
the fees for the Derby Veteran's Community Center should be reviewed. This
will be discussed at a later meeting.

Motion was made by Al Felice
and second by Karen Izzo. Move to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m. Motion
carried unanimously.

The next Parks & Recreation
Commission meeting will be Monday, July 11, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall,
35 Fifth Street. If the Aldermanic Chambers are unavailable then the
Veteran’s room will be requested.